The holidays are almost here! And you know what that means – eggnog season! Which bourbon should you use when spiking the eggnog? We have answers.
Books can be written about which liquor is best for eggnog – people use rum, brandy, and bourbon. This blog post will focus on the grandaddy of American beverages- bourbon. To make home made eggnog from scratch, Tastes Better From Scratch has an excellent recipe here. Otherwise, grocery store eggnog is a great option for mixing.
What is the best bourbon for eggnog?
This list has tasting notes and pairing notes to help you find the best bourbon to mix with egg nog.
List of the best bourbons for eggnog:
- Bulleit Bourbon 10 Year Old
- Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
- Buffalo Trace
- Wild Turkey Rare Breed
- Makers Mark Cask Strength
Tasting Notes:
Bulleit Bourbon 10 Year Old
Tasting Notes: Bulleit is know for its pronounced caramel, toasted oak, and dried fruit nuances.
Why It Pairs Well: Age is everything for Bulleit 10 Year’s strengths. The spicy undertones of this aged bourbon add depth, contrasting and enhancing the creaminess of eggnog.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Tasting Notes: Rich in dried fruits, vanilla, and toasted nuts, with a chocolatey finish.
Why It Pairs Well: Woodford Double Oaked (which is much better than Woodford Standard for eggnog) is robust and well-rounded. The robustness provides a complex complement to eggnog’s creamy profile.
Buffalo Trace
Tasting Notes: Dominant caramel and vanilla flavors with an elegant minty backdrop.
Why It Pairs Well: Buffalo Trace is sweet. The intrinsic sweetness of Trace provides a complexity that melds with eggnog, delivering a rewarding blend.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Tasting Notes: Intense spices, layered with caramel, butterscotch, and a bit of smoke.
Why It Pairs Well: The assertive character of Rare Breed contrasts the eggnog’s richness, presenting a memorable flavor depth.
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
Tasting Notes: Bold and full, hints of butter, vanilla, and ripe fruits.
Why It Pairs Well: Cask Strength is key to this choice. Maker Mark Cask Strength’s undiluted bourbon, with its intense sweetness, makes eggnog dessert-like. Also extremely drinkable…
Why bourbon in eggnog?
Bourbon’s diverse flavor profiles, ranging from sweet nuances to fiery spices, provide a counterpoint to eggnog’s rich creaminess. Although alternatives like rum or cognac have their merits, bourbon stands out. Flavor is all about contrast, and the spiciness of bourbon contrasts perfectly with the smoothness of eggnog. You simply can’t get this from a cognac or rum mixture.
How do I mix bourbon in eggnog?
Integrating bourbon into Egg Nog is less about a grand performance and more about understanding the basics. First, your bourbon selection matters. Aim for a mid-range bourbon; something too cheap might ruin the flavor, but you also don’t need to break the bank on an ultra-premium bottle since the nuanced flavors could get lost amidst the eggnog’s creaminess. (Obviously we have a great list above to do this)
Temperature plays a role too. Chilled bourbon ensures the drink remains cold, preserving the rich and creamy consistency of the Egg Nog. Pour your bourbon slowly. A 1:5 ratio of bourbon to Egg Nog is a safe starting point, but adjust according to your taste.
Now, the technique: Don’t just dump the bourbon in. Pour it gently down the side of the glass or pitcher to prevent it from dominating one spot. Then, stir. A gentle, consistent stir helps the flavors meld together without introducing too many air bubbles.
Lastly, give it a moment. Letting the mix sit for a minute allows the flavors to integrate fully. Tweak if necessary, add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon on top, and you’re all set. Simple, no fluff, just a perfect bourbon-laced Egg Nog. Cheers!
